T S 



^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

-~ — - \% ^67 

Shelf ._.B.S_5 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS 



BRIQQS' 



AMERICAN TANNER 



CONTAINING 



QUICK AND HANDY METHODS 

OF 

CURING, TANNING, AND COLORING 

r 

THE SKINS OF THE SHEEP, GOAT, DOG, RABBIT, 

OTTER, BEAVER, MUSKRAT, MINK, WOLF. 

FOX, ETC., AND OTHER HEAVIER HIDES 



FULLY ILLUSTRATED 



NEW YORK 
dick: & KITZQKRAIvD 

18 ANN STREET 



THE AMERICAN TANNER. 



CONTAINING 



IMPROVED AND QUICK METHODS 



CURING, TANNING, AND COLORING 

THE SKINS OF THE SHEEP, GOAT, DOG, RABBIT, 

OTTER, BEAVER, MUSKRAT, MINK, WOLF, 

FOX, ETC., AND OTHER HEAVIER HIDES; 

INCLUDING 

A Plain Description of the Necessary Utensils, and 
Practical Directions for their Use. 



r FULLY ILLUSTRATED. 

>■, . / 

^^^ By N. R, BRIGGS. 



NEW YORK : 
DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers, 

l8 ANN STREET. 



:? X ^ 




Copyright, 1892, 
By Dick & Fitzgerali>. 



/ 



/ 




CONTBNTS. 



PAGE 

IMPROVED METHODS OF TANNING - 5 

UTENSILS - - - - - - 5 

PREPARING THE HIDES OR SKINS - 8 

TO SOAK THE HIDES OR SKINS - 8 

TO REMOVE THE HAIR OR WOOL - 9 

FLESHING A SKIN - - - - lO 

TAN LIQUOR FOR LIGHT SKINS - 1 1 

FINISHING LIGHT SKINS - - - 13 
GLOVE LEATHER LIQUID - - -14 

TAN LIQUOR FOR HEAVY HIDES - 14- 

FINISHING HEAVY HIDES - - - 15 

WATERPROOF STUFFING - - - 16 
GRAIN BLACKING - - - 17 & 19 

FLESH SIDE BLACKING - - - 19 

TANNING MUSKRAT SKINS - - 20 



IV CONTENTS. 

PAOS 

TO ENLIVEN FURS - - - - 21 

TANNING WITH ACID- - - » 21 

TO TAN A MUSKRAT SKIN » « 22 

TO TAN RABBIT SKINS -= »< - 24 

TO TAN ALL KINDS OF SKINS» - 25 

COLORING FOR FURS AND WOOL 27 & 28 

MAKE YOUR WORK PAV - - - 29 

HOW TO CURE SKINS - - «- 32 



THE AMERICAN TANNER. 



IMPROVED METHODS OF TANNING. 

n~^HIS work is especially gotten up 
for the tanning of all light skins, 
such as sheep, goat, dog, rabbit, otter, 
beaver, muskrat, mink, wolf, fox, etc. 

For heavier skins than the above, see 
receipt under heading of "heavy leath- 
er tan," No. 7. 

The receipt for tanning with acid, No. 
15, is particularly valuable in tanning 
sheep-skins for making up into rugs 
and dusters for the market, where time 
is of value. 

UTENSILS. 

In commencing operations for tan- 
ning, it is necessary first to fit yourseK 



6 THE AMERICA!!^ TAKl^'ER. 

out with the necessary apparatus^ which 
consists of : 

1st. Two or more good strong tubs, 
as shown in Fig. 1. These may be made 
by cutting in half any good tight barrel 




Fig. 1. 

or hogshead. The style shown in the 
illustration answers very well for a few 
skins. 

2d. A fleshing-knife, as shown in Fig. 
2, may be made from an old drawing- 
knife or piece of scythe, by grinding the 
edge down to about a thirty-second of 



THE AMEEICAN TANJ!TER. 7 

an inch; tliis will give two edges to 
work with by reversing, and of sufficient 




Fig. 2. 



sharpness to remove all fleshy and fatty 
substances from a skin. 

3d. For a fleshing-beam as shown in 
Fig. 3, select a fine grained, hard-wood 




Fig. 3. 



slab, about seven feet long, and about 
fifteen inches wide. Have the round 



8 THE AMEEICAK TANKEE. 

side up ; put in two legs about two feet 
from one end of the slab, the other end 
rests on the floor, as shown in the illus- 
tration. 

PREPARING THE HIDES OR SKINS. 

Before skin can be subjected to tan- 
ning, it requires some preliminary pre- 
paration. This consists in soaking the 
skin, and afterwards carefully removing 
all fatty and fleshy matter. A descrip- 
tion of how this may be done is given in 
Nos. 1, 2 and 3, as follows : 

No. l.-TO SOAK THE HIDES OR SKINS. 

To soak skins, take four gallons cold 
soft water, one-half pint soft-soap, one- 
half ounce of borax, (if the skins have 
not been salted, add to the above, one- 
haK pint salt, and if to be tanned with 
the hair on, add three-quarters of an 



THE AMEEICAK TANKEE. 9 

ounce of sulpliiirie acid, which will 
set the hair on on the skins). Now 
thoroughly dissolve and mix, and place 
the skins in this bath, and allow to 
soak from two to six hours. This 
part of the process is to make the 
skins soft and pliable, ready for the 
fleshing-beam. 

No. 2.-TO REMOVE THE HAIR OR WOOL. 

If it is desired to remove the hair or 
wool from a skin, omit the sulphuric 
acid in the above bath for soaking, 
No. 1, and after soaking, put the skins 
in a liquor composed of five gallons 
cold water, four quarts slaked lime, 
four quarts of hard-wood ashes, and 
allow to soak from one to six days ; or 
until the hair slips off easily. As soon as 
this can be done, remove to the fleshing- 



10 THE AlilERICAl^ TANKER. 

beanij and with the fleshing-knif e scrape 
off the hair or wool, and then turn the 
skin over and flesh as described in No. 3, 
then wash thoroughly in cold water, and 
again remove to fleshing-heam, and with 
the fleshing-knife sleek by scraping off 
all the greasy water. The skins are now 
ready for the tan liquor, as described in 
Nos. 4 and 7, according as they are 
heavy or light. 

No. 3.-FLESHING A SKIN. 

Fleshing a skin is done by placing the 
skin on the fleshing-beam, flesh side up, 
and with the fleshing-knife (already 
described) all the fleshy and fatty sub- 
stances are carefully removed, care being 
taken with the very light skins not to 
cut them. It is very important that this 
part of the work of removing every par- 



THE AMERICAN TAKKER. 11 

tide of the fleshy and fatty substance 
be well done before putting the skins 
into the tan liquor, if you wish to have 
the skins evenly and quickly tanned. 
The fleshing-beam may be also used to 
place the skins on for removing the hair 
or wool, and for sleeking and stretching 
the skins, after some of the other pro- 
cesses herein described. 

No. 4.-TAN LIQUOR FOR LIGHT SKINS. 

To eight quarts of cold soft water add 
one-quarter of a poimd of pulverized 
oxalic acid, one quart of common salt. 
Dissolve well and immerse the skins. 

The quantity of material prescribed 
in each of the receipts, is given on the 
basis of treating one skin of the size of 
a calf or sheep- skin, while smaller skins, 
such as inuskrat, mink, etc., as many 



12 THE AMEEICAN" TAKKEE. 

may be put in as can be kept submerged 
and easily handled. 

The whole skin^ no matter whether 
containing wool, hair or fur, should be 
kept entirely submerged. (Enough tan 
liquor should be made to cover the skins 
well.) They should be turned occasion- 
ally, so that all parts of the skins may 
come in contact with the tan liquor. 
Very light skins should remain in this 
liquor from three to four hours. Calf- 
skins are not considered light skins, 
and should remain in the liquor from 
twenty-four to forty-eight hours; or 
until tanned through, which can be 
told by cutting on the neck, the thick- 
est part of the skin. If the tan color, 
that is given to the skins, by the use 
of terra japonica (gum catechu) as men- 
tioned for heavy hides in No. 7, is no 
objection, it would be well to tan calf- 



THE AMEBIC AK TAN"N"ER. 13 

skin with the tan liquor of No. 7; 
otherwise, use as here described, which 
leaves the skin a pure white color. 
When thoroughly tanned, remove and 
wash in cold water and hang up to par- 
tially dry, then proceed with No. 5. 

No. 5.— FINISHING LIGHT SKINS. 

All skins when drying are like full 
cloth when wet; they contract or full 
up, and have to be stretched. To do 
this, take the skin before it is thorough- 
ly dried, and place it upon the fleshing- 
beam, over some yielding substance, 
such as a sheep-skin flesh side up ; then 
use the fleshing-knif e ; by -pushing the 
edge of the blade stoutly in all direc- 
tions over the leather it will become 
stretched; then remove to a strong 
table and roll until soft and pliable, 
and then follow directions in No. 6. 



14 THE AMERICAN TAKl^ER. 

No. 6.-GLOVE LEATHER LIQUID. 

This liquid should be applied to all 
light skins, when extra softness is de- 
sirable, after tanning and finishing, and, 
when thoroughly dried in, should be 
again rolled upon the table until soft 
and pliable. It is made by mixing one 
pint of soft-soap, one pint of tanners' 
or neats-foot oil, one-half pint of al- 
cohol, and thoroughly rubbing into the 
flesh side of the skin ; without this the 
leather and furs would not be fit for 
their various uses. 

No. 7.-TAN LIQUOR FOR HEAVY HIDES. 

The light leather tan liquor leaves 
the leather too open or porous for 
leather that is to be exposed to water 
and rough usage. Therefore, add to 
the tan liquor for light skins: Three- 



THE AMERICAiq" TAKNER. 15 

quarters of a pound melted terra japo- 
nica (gum catechu); melt with water, 
and proceed the same as with light 
skins, giving more time in the tan 
liquor — say from two to ten days, ac- 
cording to the thickness of the skin. 
When sufficiently tanned, remove from 
the liquor, and thoroughly wash, and 
follow directions given in No. 8, finish- 
ing heavy hides. 

No. 8.-FINISHING HEAVY HIDES. 

After taking the hides out of the tan 
liquor, they must be thoroughly washed, 
and scoured upon the grain side (the 
side the hair was taken off), if that is 
to be blacked; for the acid in the tan 
liquor, if any should remain, kills the 
coloring material in the grain black. 
Scouring is done by placing the hides 



16 THE AMEEICAN TAITKEE. 

upon a table grain side up, and, with a 
good stiff brush (a scrubbing-brush will 
answer) and water, go over the hides 
thoroughly, using considerable strength, 
and then hang up. When half dried, 
apply the preparation under the head- 
ing of "Waterproof Stuffing," No. 9, 
spreading on a quantity about a third 
as thick as the hide to which you ap- 
ply it. 

No. 9.-WATERPROOF STUFFING- 

One pint rye or wheat flour, four 
ounces bees-wax, three ounces each of 
pine pitch and barberry gum, two 
pounds beef tallow ; melt together over 
a slow fire ; then add one quart of tan- 
ners' or neat's-foot oil, one quart boiled 
linseed oil; take off the fire and mix 
in one-half pint of alcohol ; stir until 
cooled. If a polish is required, for 



THE AMERICAN TANNEE. 17 

boot or harness leather, melt four 
ounces of gum tragacanth with water, 
in a vessel placed in a kettle of boiling 
water, to which add one-half ounce of 
lamp black; when fully melted stir it 
into the waterproof stuffing while the 
latter is cooling. A good coating of 
this stuffing should be applied to the 
hides and then hung in the shade 
until dry ; then whiten or sleek, that is, 
remove all the stuffing that has not 
dried in ; then remove to the table and 
bowl (that is work by rolling until 
soft and pliable). If the grain side is 
to be blacked, it should be treated with 
grain blacking Nos. 10 or 11, both of 
which are good. 

No. lO.-GRAIN BLACKING. 

Take two ounces terra japonica (gum 
catechu), one-half ounce extract of log- 



18 THE AMERICAK TAKKER. 

wood, one ounce of copperas, one 
quart of zeig (urine), and melt to- 
gether over a slow fire. Before apply- 
ing the blacking, sponge the grain side 
of the leather with old zeig (urine), 
then sleek or scrape off the urine. Ee- 
peat the operation; then apply the 
blacking while warm with a very stiff 
brush, rubbing it thoroughly in. If 
it does not produce a beautiful black 
readily, apply a light coat of soft-soap, 
rubbing it smartly with the hands; 
then immediately apply the glove leath- 
er liquid (No. 6), or the copperas in the 
blacking would injure the grain; then 
hang in the shade to dry. When about 
dry apply a light coat of waterproof 
stuffing (No. 9), rubbing it well into the 
leather. If a polish is desired, apply 
the waterproof stuffing with the gum 
tragacanth added, in the manner sug- 



THE AMERICAN TANIS'EE. 19 

gested in No. 9, and after allowing to 
dry in, polish with any hard smooth 
substance, using considerable strength. 
If it is also desired to black the flesh 
side, follow directions as given in No. 
12, — flesh side blacking. 

No. 1 1.— ANOTHER GRAIN BLACKING. 

To stain the grain side of a skin a 
permanent black, rub well with a strong 
aqueous solution of proto-sulphate of 
iron, and then with a concentrated 
solution of extract of logwood. 

No. 12.-FLESH SIDE BLACKING. 

To one pint of soft-soap, add two 
ounces lampblack, one-half ounce pul- 
verized copperas : boil over a slow fire 
ten minutes ; after cooling, reduce with 



so THE AMEHICAi^ TAiq"HEE. 

water to the consistency of molasses, 
and apply with a stiff brush; then 
sponge with glove liquid (No. 6). Al- 
low to dry in, then apply some of the 
waterproof stuffing and gum tragacanth 
(No. 9) J and polish. 

No. 13.— TANNING MUSKRAT SKINS. 

The muskrat skin being very tender, 
and the flesh very tough, the skin will 
not bear fleshing without laying in the 
tan liquor for light skins (No. 4) at least 
one hour; then take it out and place 
on the flesh side of a sheep-skin and 
V carefully flesh. After this, replace in 
the tan liquor, and let it remain at least 
three hours more; then thoroughly 
wash in cold water, and finish as de- 
scribed in finishing light skins. (See 
No. 5.) 



THE AMERICAN TANNER. 21 

No. 14.— TO ENLIVEN FURS. 

Furs may be enlivened by taking 
equal parts of scorched bran and sharp 
clean white sand or hard-wood saw- 
dust, and rub in the fur until it be- 
comes free and bright ; then shake out. 

No. 15.-TANNING WITH ACID. 

Soak and wash in the usual way, de- 
scribed in No. 1. Then take oil of vit- 
riol (sulphuric acid) and water, equal 
parts of each, and thoroughly wet the 
flesJi side of the shin only, letting it act 
on the skin for twenty minutes only. 
In the meantime get ready a solution 
of sal-soda and water, say one pound to 
'a bucket of water, and soak the skin in 
that for two hours; then remove and 
thoroughly wash in clean cold water, 
and apply a little dry salt and let it 



22 THE AMEEICAl^ TANI^EE. 

remain on for eight or ten hours. Then 
remove to the fleshing-beam and flesh. 
When dry, or nearly so, soften by pull- 
ing and rolling with the hands and a 
piece of pumice stone. This is the 
quickest way of tanning, and by only 
wetting the skin with acid and soaking 
out in twenty minutes, they are not 
rotted. 

This receipt is especially valuable for 
tanning sheep-skins for making up into 
rugs and dusters, as hereinafter de- 
scribed. 

No. 16.— HOW TO TAN A MUSKRAT SKIN. 

After washing the hide or skin in 
hot water, and removing all fatty and* 
fleshy matter, prepare a liquor by 
mixing together the following ingre- 
dients : ten gallons of cold soft water* 



THE AMEEICAK TANNER. 23 

eight qnarts of wheat bran, one half 
pint old soft soap, one onnee borax, 
one pint salt. This quantity will be 
sufficient for six or seven skins. 

Soak the hides in this liquor for 
eight or ten hours, if they are fresh ; or 
until very soft, if the hides have been 
previously dried. 

The salt must be omitted if the hides 
have already been salted; and the ad- 
dition of two ounces sulphuric acid to 
the liquor will prepare the skins in 
about one half the time. The hides 
will then be ready for the tanning 
liquor, which is made of the following 
materials : ten gallons warm soft water, 
one half bushel bran, two and one haK 
pounds sulphuric acid. Stir the bran 
into the water until thoroughly mixed, 
and let it stand in a warm room until 
it ferments. When this takes place, 



24 THE AMEEICAN" TAKNER. 

add the sulphuric acid by degrees, and, 
with constant stirring. 

This quantity will be sufficient to 
tan six or seven skins. 

Soak the muskrat skins in this for 
about four hours ; then take them out 
and rub them with a fleshing knife. 

In order to render the skin soft and 
pliable, it must be rubbed over a 
smooth beam until dry. (See No. 13.) 

No. 17.-HOW TO TAN RABBIT-SKINS. 

Lay the skin on a smooth board, 
the fur side undermost, and fasten it 
down, tightly stretched, with tinned 
tacks. First wash it over with a solu- 
tion of common salt; then moisten 
the surface all over with a sponge 
dipped in a solution consisting of one 
pint warm water, two and one half 



THE AMEEICAN TAKNER. 25 

ounces alum, Eepeat the sponging 
occasionally for three days. Then, 
when the skin is quite dry, take out 
the tacks, roll it loosely the long way, 
hair inside, and draw it quickly back- 
wards and forwards through a large 
smooth ring until quite soft; unroll 
it, and roll it again the opposite way, 
and repeat the operation. 

No. IS.-HOW TO TAN ALL KINDS OF 
SKINS. 

The following is a method applicable 
to all skins with the fur on: First 
trim off all useless parts, then remove 
all fatty matter from the inside. (If 
the skin is dry, it must first be soft- 
ened by soaking.) Next soak the skin 
for an hour in warm water. After 
this, spread over the inside of the skin, 
by means of a brush, a coating of the 



26 THE AMEEICAK TAKXEE. 

following mixture: one onnce borax, 
one ounce saltpetre, one ounce glauber 
salts (sulphate of soda). Water suffi- 
cient to make a thin paste. 

The coating should be heavier on 
the thicker parts of the skin; double 
the skin together, coated side inwards, 
and put it away in a cool place. At 
the end of twenty-four hours, apply, 
in the same manner as before, a coat- 
ing of a mixture consisting of one 
ounce sal soda, one half ounce borax, 
two ounces hard white soap. Melt 
these together slowly by heat, without 
allowing the mixture to boil. After 
coating the skin with the above, fold 
it together again as before, and put 
it in a warm place for another twenty- 
four hours. At the expiration of this 
time, take four ounces alum, eight 
ounces salt, two ounces saleratns. Dis- 



THE AMERICAN TAis"lsrER. 27 

solve these in hot water sufficient in 
quantity to saturate the skin; when 
cool enough not to scald the hands, 
soak the skin in it for twelve hours; 
then wring it out, and hang it up to 
dry. 

The soaking and drying must be re- 
peated two or three times, until the 
skin is sufficiently soft. Lastly, smooth 
the inside with fine sand-paper and 
pumice stone. 

No. 1 9.-COLORING FOR FURS AND WOOL, 

Take equal parts of pulverized un- 
slacked lime and litharge; mix to a 
thin paste with water, and apply with 
a brush. One or two coats will give a 
light buff color. By using several coats 
a beautiful light brown is obtained, 
every additional coat deepening the 
color. By adding ammonia and nitrate 



28 THE AMERICAN TANNER. 

of silver a beautiful black is produced. 
After taking a skin from the heavy 
leather tan liquor (ISTo. 7), which con- 
tains terra japonica (gum catechu), 
which is a permanent coloring dye, 
sponge the hair or wool with a solu- 
tion of lime and water^ and it deepens 
the red shade. A strong solution of 
alum water will set the color. 

No. 20.-0RANGE COLOR. 

For coloring a bright orange on wool, 
wash thoroughly so as to remove all 
grease, then take one ounce picric acid 
to each skin ; dissolve the acid in tem- 
perate water (soft), using enough to 
cover the skin. Use alcohol or vinegar 
to set the color. 

No. 2 1. -MAGENTA COLOR. 

To color a nice magenta color, take 
for each skin, one-half ounce magenta 



THE AMERICAN TANKER. 29 

crystals, and dissolve in two or three 
quarts of boiling hot water, stir until 
all dissolved and then add water enough 
to cover the skins. The water should 
not be hotter at the putting in of the 
skins than to comfortably admit of put- 
ting the hands in. When of the right 
color remove, and set with a pint of 
vinegar or alcohol in water enough to 
cover the skin. 



MAKE YOUR WORK PAY. 

It pays best to secure long coarse- 
wooled sheep-pelts, with wool say three 
and a half to five inches long, and after 
tanning and coloring them as herein 
described, make up as follows : 

Should you have two gi*ades of dress- 
ed pelts, one, the wool of which is from 



30 THE AMERICAN TAKIsTER. 

three to four inches long, the other, 
four to five inches, use the short wools 
for rugs, and the long wools for dusters. 
Those intended for rugs may be colored 
magenta color, or a pretty yellow. Trim 
them to good shape, square corners and 
oblong, and comb out nicely with a 
heavy wooden comb. The long wools 
intended for the dusters may be colored 
magenta and yellow ; as both make up 




Fig. 4. 



prettily and excel the finest feathers. 
Now cut a pattern like the diagram, 



THE AMERICAN TAN"KER. 31 

Fig. 4, about fonr and a half inches 
across the base, and about two inches 
across the top or tapered end, and five 
inches long. The shape at the tapered 
end is to give a rounded appearance 
when the sides are sewed together. 
Comb out well and sew the sides to- 
gether, up and over the tapered end, 
when it is ready for the handles. These 
may be made at any wood-turning estab- 
lishment, and should not cost over^two 
or three cents apiece; are best made 
from white-wood or bass-wood, and in 
design according to fancy. They may 
be stained with the magenta coloring 
used in coloring the wool, or black, and 
varnished. Before putting the duster 
on the handle, stuff within two inches 
of the opening with the combings ; this 
is to prevent the end of the handle 
from marring the furniture, and to give 



32 THE AMEEICAK TAKKEE. 

shape to the duster; draw on the 
handle and securely tack. A narrow 
strip of black or red leather may be 
now tacked around the bottom to give 
a finish. 

If you have done your work well, 
these are articles that will sell, and 
may be introduced to neighbors and 
the people of the nearest village or 
city at a good profit ; fifty and seventy- 
five cents being a fair price for the 
dusters, and two to four dollars for the 
rugs. 



HOW TO CURE SKINS. 

The marketable value of fur-skins 
mainly depends, of course, on the 
quality and kind of the fur; but even 
the best skins will fail to command a 
fair price unless they are properly 



THE AMERICAN" TANNER. 33 

cured and prepared for tlie furrier or 
tanner. In order to arrive at this re- 
sult, the amateur trapper will need 
directions for removing the skin from 
the animal without spoiling it by un- 
necessary incisions ; and also for treat- 
ing the skins, when removed, in the 
manner which will best fit them for 
mercantile purposes. 
/ There are vaiious ways for curing 
small skins, the simplest being to 
tack it, fur inwards, on a board well 
stretched, and allow it to dry where it 
is not exposed to the sunshine or the 
heat of a fire. Some prefer to stretch 
the skin, turned inside out, over a strip 
of any elastic wood, such as hickory, 
birch, elm, etc., the edges of the skin 
being secured in notches cut into the 
bow, as seen in the accompanying 
illustration. (Fig. 5.) 



THE AMEKICAK TAKKER. 



For curing in this manner a musk- 
rat skin, for instance, the feet are first 
cut off ; the skin is ripped with a knife 
from the centre of the under- jaw down 




Fig. 5. 



the middle of the belly, a little beyond 
the holes left by the fore-legs ; the skin 
is next cut loose around the lips, ears, 
and eyeSj and finally stripped back- 



THE AMERICAN TAKKER. 35 

wards off the body. Stretching on a 
bow is not generally a good plan, as it 
draws the skin out of its natural shape, 
the usual implement used for curing 
small skins being the board stretcher, 
as it is light and portable. It consists 
of a piece of board, one-fourth or three- 
sixteenths of an inch thick; in length 
about eighteen inches or more; and 
six inches in width at one end, slightly 
tapering to the other end, which is 
rounded off to an oval with a blunt 
point. At the broad end, notches are 
cut, in which the edges of the skin, 
when stretched on the board, are se- 
cured. (See Fig. 5.) 

An improvement on the foregoing 
requires a little more trouble in its 
construction, which is as follows : Pre- 
pare a piece of light board, about thre^ 
eighths of an inch thick, somewhat mor« 



36 



THE AMERICAN TAIfKEE. 



than two feet long; three and a half 
inches wide at one end, and tapering 
to a little over two inches wide at the 
other end ; the narrow end is rounded, 




Fig. 6. 



aiid the rounded edge beveled off. It 
should then be gradually thinned off its 
entire length, from the centre to each 
side, so that the edges become tolerably 



THE AMERICAI^^ TAKJiTEE. 37 

tliin, the centre retaining its original 
thickness. Next saw the board exactly 
down its centre. A stretcher or wedge 
is made of the same thickness of wood, 
one inch wide at one end, and three- 
eighths of an inch wide at the other, 
the same length as the other board. 
The two halves of the board are in- 
serted in the skin, the wedge is then 
introduced between them, and being 
driven in, stretches the skin thoroughly. 
These stretchers are made of different 
sizes, with the same proportions, to 
suit the various kinds of skins, the one 
just described being suitable for mink 
and other animals of like size. (See Fig. 
6.) Otter skins will require a stretcher 
nearly three times as large. When 
using these board-stretchers, the skin 
should be ripped along the back of the 
hind legs up to the vent; having cut 



38 THE AMERICAN TAKNER. 

the edge of the skin loose around the 
vent, strip it from the tail, and draw 
the whole carefully forward, peeling it 
off the animal towards the head, which 
is the last place to be skinned. The 
skin is now like a long pocket, the fur 
side inwards, and ready for the inser- 
tion of the stretcher. 

In removing the skin from the otter, 
and other wide-tailed animals, it will 
be necessary to rip the skin along the 
under side of the tail, and open it out 
stretched flat on a board. 

The skin of the deer, and of some 
other animals, is cured by being laced 
with twine to the inside of a hoop, and 
kept drawn tight as a drum until dry. 
The hoop is made of hickory, or other 
flexible wood, and large enough to 
stretch the skin. 



Sent J^'ree of Postage r.n Ktcetpi of Price. 
Dick's Hand-Book of Whist. A thorough 

treatise on the Modern Game, from "'The American Hoyle." 
It covers all the intricacies of the game, with the modern code of 
signalling between partners, and includes Pole's and Clay's Rules, 
the Regular Club Laws, Drayson's remarks on "Trumps, theii 
Use and Abuse," and Pole's " I'hilosophy of Whist." This ia 
the most complete work on the scientific game of Whist, and 
introduces Two interesting Double Dummy Problems. 

Paper covers.. 25 cts. 

Flexible cloth ...„ <, 50 cts. 

Dick's Hand-Book of Cribbage. A complete 

and exhaustive treatise on Cribbage in all its varieties, with 
the revised Laws which govern them. It contains a thorough 
investigation of the Value of hands, with instructive examples, 
showing all the combinations in hand, crib, and play ; including a 
simple exposition of long sequences which occur in play, by which 
all disputes can be intelligently settled. It also affords practical 
advice to players at ail stages of the Six-Card, Five-Card, and Two, 
Three and Four-handed varieties of the game. 
Flexible cloth 50 cts. 

Dick's Original Album Verses and Acrostics. 

Containing original Verses for Autograph Albums, Dedications, 
Congratulations for Birthday and the various Wedding Anniver- 
saries, Valentines; &c. Also, Two Hundred and Eighteen originaJ 
acrostics, the initial letters of the lines in each verse representing 

different Ladies' Christian names. Paper covers. soots. 

Bound in cloth , 75 cts. 

Dick's Comic Dialogues. A collection of Seven- 
teen Easy and very Effective Dramatic Dialogues Especially 
adapted for performance by Young People, Eight of the Dialogues 
are for ntale performers only, requiring from two to six characters 
They are all bright, very entertaintng, full of droll and telling 
"situations," and combine the best dramatic effect with the least 
possible difficulties of costume and scenery. Paper covers. 30 cts. 
Bound in boards 50 cts, 

Dick's Dialogues and IMonologues. Containing 

Twenty-two Dialogues, Monologues, Farces, Parlor Sketches, and 
Petite Comedies, all entirely original and expressly designed for 
Parlor Perfoa-mance. 

These short and amusing pieces, written by various authors e:?- 
pressly for this work, are full of humor and dramatic excellence, 
requiring very little preparation in costume and scenery. 

Paper covers -co ........ .. ..,, ».......» 30 cts. 

Bound in boards .o.o.,>. ..,.. ......50CIS. 



Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price, 
Holberton's Art of Angling ; or, How and 

Where to Catch Fish. A practical Handbook of instruction 
and advice for learners in everything that pertains to the art of 
Fishing with Rod and Reel. By Wakeman Holberton. Fully 
illustrated. This book offers all that is necessary to become an 
expert and successful sea, river, and lake angler. It describes 
the special methods and appliances requisite to catch each 
variety of the finny tribe, and the most favorable localities to 
find them ; with practical hints on camping out, necessary out- 
fit, and the best choice of apparatus and baits, etc. Cloth, 
flexible 50 cts. 

Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide ; or, 

How to Mix all kinds of Fancy Drinks. A n entirely new edi- 
tion : new plates : new drinks. Containing clear and reliable 
directions for mixing all the beverages used in the United States, 
Embracing Punches, Juleps, Cobblers, Cocktails, etc., etc., in 
endless variety. By Jerry Thomas. This work also contains 
the best receipts for preparing bottled Punch, bottled Cock- 
Cails, Punch Essences, etc., after the most approved methods ; 
also, all the newest Egg-Noggs, Fizzes, Slings, Sours, and 
other Fancy Drinks in endless variety. i6mo, illuminated 

paper cover 50 cts. 

x6mo, cloth 75 cts 

** Trumps'" New Card Games. Containing 

correct methods and rules for playing the games of Hearts, 
Boodle, New Market, Five and Nine or Domino- Whist, Solo, 
and Cayenne Whist, carefully compiled from the best authori* 
ties. Paper covers 25 cts. 

Dick's Progressive Poker. This Game pre- 
sents decided advantages over Euchre for *' Progressive" pur- 
poses. It is far more interesting, distinctly the American 
game, and is played for prizes in the same manner as in Pro- 
gressive Euchre. Paper covers C5 cts. 

Weldon's Fancy Costumes. Containing over 

fifty full-page illustrations of favorite Historical, National, and 
Fancy Costumes, with a full description of the simplest method 
of making them, and the quantity and texture of materials for 
each costume ; and hints on " making up " for each character. 
Paper cover 50 cts. 



Seni Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. 
Dick's Encyclopedia of Practical Receipts 

and Processes. Containing over 6,400 receipts; embracing 
thorough information in plain language, applicable to almost every 
possible industrial and domestic requirement. Besides being a 
complete and almost indispensable book of reference for the re- 
ceipts and articles needed in every household, farm, garden, &c., 
it includes clear and easily understood directions for the applica- 
tion of many of the Arts usually acquired only by long experience, 
and so divested of technicalities, or the technical terms used BO 
fully explained as to bring the entire subject within the compre- 
hension of any person of ordinary intelligence. 

600 pages, royal 8vo, cloth 1^ ..».» $5.00 

600 pages, royal 8vo, sheep 6.00 

How TO Conduct a Debate. ^ A series of com- 
plete Debates, Outlines of Debates, and Questions for Discussion. 
In the complete debates, the questions for discussion are defined, 
the debate formally opened, an array of brilliant arguments 
adduced on cither side, and the debate closed according to par- 
liamentary usages. The second part consists of questions for 
debate, with heads of arguments, for and against, given in a con- 
densed form for the speakers to enlarge upon to suit their own 
fancy. In addition to these are A Large Collection oC Debatable 
Questions. The authorities to be referred to for information are 
given at the close of every debate. By Frederic Rowton. 

232 pages, paper 50 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 75 cts. 

Dick's Commercial Letter Writer, and Book 

OF BusLv'EfS Forms. Containing entirely original Models of 
Letters on all business subjects, with appropriate replies ; also 
several specimens of Continuous Correspondence, exhibiting by 
a series of Letters, t-he progress and completion of Mercantile 
Transactions. 

This work includes corfect fcwms for Business Notices and Part- 
nership Announcements ; for Applications for Employment and 
neatly-worded Answers to Inquiries and Advertisements ; for 
occasional Circulars, properly displayed, and for Business Docu- 
ments, Mortgages, Assignments, Wills, Power of Attorney, Let- 
ters of Credit, &c., and the correct method of adjusting General 
and Particular Averages. 

It contains, in addition, a Glossary of Technical Terms used in 
commerce ; a rapid method of computing Interest ; a Table of 
Foreig:;! Coins in United States* Currency ; and other tiseful in- 
foranation. 
8O0 pages, i6mo.,Boimd in boards. ...... ..,..••■•••••«-.• 50Ct& 



Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. 

f~. „ — __^ 

Dick's Letter-Writer for Ladies. Containing 

more than five hundred entirely ojiginal Letters and Notes, wrt& 
appropriate answers, on all subjects and •occasion$ incident tO life 
ia G004 Society; inclcTTng specific iastrucsioos in ail the details of 
a well-written letter, and gfeneral Hints for conducting Polite 
Correspondence. Edited by Wm. B. Dick. These new and 
original Letters have been written expressly for this work in an 
easy and elegant style, furnishing excellent models which fulfill all 
the social, formal, and business conditions that occur in the Corr©" 
spondence of Ladies who move in refined society. 
268 pages, large i6mo., Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts» 

Dick's Mysteries of the Hand • or, Palmistry 

Made Easy. Translated and Arranged fi'om the French Works 
of Desbarrolles, d'Arpentigny, and De Para d^Hermes, This 
book is a concise summary of the elaborate works of the above* 
named authorities on Palmistry; it explains tha exact localities and 
mounts on the hand which were assigned by the Ancients to the 
Seven Planets, with the phases of temperament and influences at- 
tributed to each of them. It furnishes also numerous illustrations 
of the lines and typical formations of the hand and fingers, by 
which character can be discerned and destiny foretold with sur» 
prising accuracy. It is emphatically " Palmistry in a NutshelL" 
Illuminated paper cover .... sects, 

Dick's One Hundred Asiusements. For Even- 
ing Parties, Picnics and Social Gatherings. This book is full ol 
Original Novelties. It contains : New and Attractive Games? 
clearly illustrated by means of Witty Examples, showing how 
each may be most successfully played. Surprising Tricks, easy oji 
performance. Musical aad other innocent sells. A variety of new 
and ingenious Puzzles, Comical Illusions, fully described. Also 
an entirely new version of the celebrated " Mrs. Jar ley's Was 
Works." Illustrated by sixty fine wood engravings. 

Illu ainctGd fsaper covers....^.., ,b...^...»». 30 cts 

B<5.\»d iXi bpsf d^ -w'^i^ dcstb Ijack. c... ..,.-.. 50 &t&- 

The Bar-Tender's Guide; dr, How to Mix all 

kinds of Fancy Drinks. An entirely new and revised edition; 
containing clear and reliable directions for mixing all the bever- 
ages used in the United States. Embracing Punches, Juleps, 
Cobblers, Cocktails, etc., etc., in endless variety. By Jerry 
Thomas. With plain directions for making Syrups, Bitters, Cor- 
dials and Liqueurs, with the various harmless flavoring aad color* 
ing substances used in their preparation. 

Paper cover.... 5octs> 

Bound in cloth......... ,.,»»....,.........<......<.«««««» 75 cts. 



Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. 
Pollard's Artistic Tableaux. With Pic- 

turesque Diagrams and Descriptions of Costumes. Text by 
Josephine Pollard ; arrangement of Diagrams by Walter Sat- 
terlee. Thitr excellent work gives all the necassary infonnatian 
in relation to the preparation of the stage, th« dressing aad 
grouping of the characters, and the method of arranging every- 
thing so as to produce the proper effects. Simple and easy of 
construction as tableaux appaar to be to those who sit before the 
curtain, anj' one who has assisted in their preparation knows 
that they must be well studied and carefully arranged in ordrt 
to produce really good and artistic effects. This manual is 
prepared with diagrams furnished by a distinguished artist 
who has had large experience in the arrangement of tableaux 
vivants. Oblong, paper covers. Price 30 cts. 

Day's American Ready-Reckoner. By B. 

H. Day. This Ready-Reckoner is composed of Original Ta- 
bles, which are positively correct, having been revised in the 
most careful manner. It is a book of 192 pages, and embraces 
more matter than 500 p^ges of any other Reckoner. It cor^ 
Cains : Tables for Rapid Calculations of Aggregate Values, 
Wages, Salaries, Board, Interest Money, etc. ; Tables of Tim- 
ber and Plank Measurement ; Tables of Board and Log Meas- 
urement, and a great variety of tables and useful calculations, 
which it would be impossible to enumerate in an advertisement 
of this limited space. All the information in this valuable 
book is given in a simple manner, and is made so plain, that 
any person can use it at once without any previous study or 
loss of time. Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

Kavanaugh's Comic Dialogues and Pieces 

FOR Little Children. Containing Short and Easy Original 
Pieces specially designed for Sunday-school and other Exhibi- 
tfcns ; and Christmas, May, and Similar Festival Occasions. 

By Mrs. Russell Kavanaugh. qfiSmo, paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards 50 cts. 

How TO TAKE Money out of Wall Street. 

a system of operating on Wall Street, based upon the " Law 
of Average," which constitutes the fundamental principle by 
which Life Insurance becomes lucrative. By Jared Flagg, Jr. 
Showing how to derive a steady and large income with suffi- 
cient capital, and without risk of loss. It contains reliable 
Tables of the fluctuations of all the leading Stocks for the past 
ten years, upon which the averages are founded. CIoth.«5o cts. 



^^ks sent Free of Postage at the Prices annexea, 

©lex's Book of Toasts, Speeches and Respon- 
ses. Containing Toasts and Sentiments for Public and Social Oc 
casions, and specimen Speeches with appropriate replies suitable 
for alp(^ every possible occasion. This work includes an instruc- 
tive dis^erta^on on the Art of making amusing After-dinner 

' Speedies, giving hints and directions by the aid of which persona 
with only ordinary intelligence can make an entertaining and tell* 
ing speech. Also, Correct Rules and Advice for Presiding at Table, 
The use of this work will render a poor and diffident speaker fluait 
and witty — ^and a good speaker better and wittier, besides afiford- 
ing an immense fund of anecdotes, wit and wisdom, and other ser* 
viccable matter to draw upon at will. Paper covers ...... 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back <>• 50 cts, 

Dick's Games of Patience ; or, Solitaire with 

Cards. New edition with Twenty new Games. Now containing 
Sixty-four Games. Illustrated with Fifty explanatory Tableaux. 
This treatise on Solitaire, a pastime which i$ steadily gaining is 
popularity, embraces a number oi new and original Games, and 
all the Games of Patience at present in favor with the most expe» 
rienced players. Each game is carefully and lucidly described, 
with the distinctive rules to be observed and hints as to the besj 
means of success in play. The Tableaux furnish efficient aid ia 
rendering the disposition of the cards necessary to each game plain 
and easily comprehensible. Quarto. 152 pages. Board cover. 75 cts. 
Cloth, gilt I1.00. 

Dick's Parlor Exhibitions, and How to Makf 

THEM SaccBSSFUU Containing complete and detailed directions 
for preparing and arranging Parlor Exhibitions and Amateur Per- 
formances. It includes. Tableaux Vivants, Living Portraits, Liv- 
ing Statuary, Dame History's Peep Show, Shadow Pantomimes, 
Popular Ballads illustrated by appropriate action. Charades of ail 
kinds. Parlor Pantomimes, Punch and Judy, and fifty other divert* 
iog parlor pastimes and amusements. It contains also a full Cata- 
logue of the celebrated " Art Exhibition." This work is tho- 
roughly practical, and gives the fullest instructions for preparing 
and lighting the stage, the construction of the Frames for Livikg 
Portraits, and shows how each performance can be presented 
with complete success. It is illustrated with numerous engravings 

explaining the text. 150 pages, paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back •••••........ 50 cts. 



Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. 
Dick's Art of Gymnastics. Containing 

practical and progressive exercises applicable to all the prin- 
cipal apparatus of a well-appointed Gymnasium. Plainly de- 
scribed and profusely illustrated. By William B, Dick. This 
work is designed to convey thorough and practical instruction in 
the various exercises and evolutions adopted and taught by the 
leading Professors of Gymnastics at the present day ; and con- 
tains the fullest information in the following branches of the 
Art : Technical Terms, Free Exercises, Tumbling, The Leap- 
ing Pole, The Vaulting Horse, The Horizontal Bar, Vaulting 
over the Bar, The Parallel Bars, The Rings, The Row of 
Rings, The Trapeze, The Inclined Ladder. The exercises in 
each branch are, as far as possible, progressively arranged, 
tersely described, and so thoroughly illustrated that they are 
easily comprehended, and proficiency may be attained. 
Quarto i oo 

Ned Donnelly's Art of Boxing. A thor- 
ough Manual of Sparring and Self-Defense, illustrated with 
Forty Engravings, showing the various Blows, Stops, and 
Guards. By Ned Donnelly, Professor of Boxing to the Lon- 
don Athletic Club, etc., etc. This work explains in detail 
every movement of attack and defense in the clearest language, 
and in accordance with the most approved and modern meth- 
ods ; the engravings are very distinctly drawn, and show each 
position and motion as plainly as the personal instruction of a 
professor could convey it. It teaches all the feints and dodges 
practiced by experienced boxers, and gives advice to those who 
desire to perfect themselves in the Manly Art. 121 pages. 
Price 25 cts. 

Dick's Dumb-Bell and Indian-Club Exer- 
cises. Containing practical and progressive instruction in the 
use of Dumb-Bells and Indian-Clubs. Profusely illustrated, 
and very plainly explained. Paper covers 25 cts. 

Dick's Art of Wrestling. A Handbook 

of thorough instruction in Wrestling, with the accepted Rules 
to be observed in the different methods of Wrestling generally 
adopted at the present time. Fully illustrated by well-designed 
engravings, exhibiting all the aggressive and defensive posi- 
tions necessary for success. Paper covers 25 cts. 



Books sent Free of Postage at the Prices annexed. 
The Laws of Athletics. How to Preserve and 

Improve Health, Strength and Beauty ; and to correct Personal 
Defects caused by want of Physical Exercise. How to train for 
Walking, Running, Rowing, &c., with the systems and opinions oj 
the Champion Athletes of the world. Including the latest Laws 
of all Athletic Games and how to play them. By William Wood, 

Professor of Physical Training. Paper cover 25 eta 

Flexible cloth cover 50Ct% 

Dick's Irish Dialect Recitations. A care. 

fully compiled Collection of Rare Irish Stories, Comic, Poeticai 
f, and Prose Recitations, Humorous Letters and Funny Recitals, ali 
' told with the irresistible Humor of the Irish Dialect. This col- 
lection contains, in addition to new and original pieces, all the very 
best Recitations in the Irish Dialect that can be gathered from Tk 
library of " Recitation " books. 170 pages, paper cover. 30 cts. 
Bound in boards, cloth back 50 ctSj 

iOiCK's Dutch, French and Yankee Dialect 

Recitations. An unsurpassed Collection of Droll Dutch Blun» 
ders. Frenchmen's Funny Mistakes, and Ludicrous and Extrava* 
gant Yankee Yams, each Recitation being in its own peculiar dia- 
lect. To those who make Dialect Recitations a speciality, this Col" 
lection will be of particular service. 

170 pages, paper cover > 30 cts. 

Bound in boards 50 cts. 

Dick's Ethiopian Scenes, Variety Sketches 

AND Stump Speeches. Containing End- Men's Jokes, Negro In- 
terludes and Farces, Fresh Dialogues for Interlocutor and Baxjo, - 
New Stump Speeches, Humorous Lectures, Dialect Sketches and 
Eccentricities, Dialogues and Repartee for Interlocutor and Bones, 
Quaint Burlesque Sermons, Jokes, Quips and Gags. 

178 pages, paper covers 30 cts. 

; Bound in boards, cloth back ,. 50 cts. 

Tambo's End-Men's Minstrel Gags. A collec- 
tion of Ethiopian Dialogues, Plantation Scenes, Eccentric doings. 
Humorous Lectures, Laughable Interludes, End-Men's Jokes, 
Burlesque Speeches. Witticisms, Conundrums, Yarns, Plantation 

Songs and Dances, &c., &c. 144 pages, paper cover 30 cts. 

Bovmdin boards socti. 



Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. 
Lester's * ' Look to the East. " (Webb Work. ) 

A Ritual of the First Three Degrees of Masonry. Containing tht 
complete work of the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Mastet 
Mason's Degrees, and their Ceremonies, Lectures, etc. Edited by 
I Ralph P. Lester. It gives 

dpening- and Closing the Lodge The EntireCeremonies of Initiating, 
in each Degree, Passingand RaisingCandidates, 

Calling O^ and Calling On, The Lectures all Ritually ai^d 
Calling the Lodge Up and Down, Monitorially Complete. 

Bound in cloth $2 00 

Leather tucks (pocket-book style), gilt edges 2 50 

Graham's School Dialogues for Young People, 

A new and original collection of Twenty-three Dialogues, intended 
for Anniversaries and Exhibitions. By George C . Graham. These 
dialogues have been written expressly to give advanced scholars an 
opportunity for displaying their dramatic powers and ingenuity; 
they are exceedinglyamuiing, and full of ludicrous and telling stage- 
situations. i6mo, 176 pages, illuminated paper cover 30 cts. 

Illuminated board cover 50 cts. 

Kavanaugh's Humorous Dramas for School Ex- 
hibitions AND Private Theatricals. By Mrs. Russell Kavan- 
augh. All original, and written expressly for School and Parlor 

performance. Bound in boards 50 cts- 

Paper covers 30 cts. 

ITow TO Write a Composition. This original work 

will be foimd a valuable aid in writing a composition on any topic 
It lays down plain directions for the division of a subject into its ap- 
propriate heads, and for arranging them in their natural order, com- 
mencing with the simplest theme, and advancing progressively to 

more complicated subjects. Paper 30 cts, 

B'>imdin boards, cloth back 5oc2x. 

B^udder Bones' Book of Stump Speeches and Bur-^ 

LESQUE Orations. Also containing Humorous Lectures, Ethiopiaa 
Dialogue's, Plantation Scenes, Negro Farces and Burlesques, Laugh- 
able Interludes and Comic Recitations. 

z88 page, paper covers 30Ct& 

Bound in boards, illuminated Soctpt 



Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price, 
Frost's Laws of American Etiquette ; or, 

By-Laws of American Society. A complete Treatise on Eti- 
quette. Containing plain and reliable Directions for Deport- 
ment in every Situation in Life. By S. A. Frost, author of 
" Frost's Letter-Writer," etc. This is a book of ready reference 
on the usasjes of Society at all times and on all occasions, and 
also a reliable guide in the details of deportment and polite 
behavior. Paper covers 30 dts. 

Frost's Original Letter Writer. A complete col- 
lection of Original Letters and Notes, upon every imaginable subject 
of Every-Day Life, with plain directions about everything connected 
with writing a letter. By S. A. Frost. To which is added a com- 
prehensive Table of Synonyms, alone worth double the price asked 
for the book. We assure our readers that it is the best collection Oi 
letters ever published in this country ; they are written in plain and 
natural language, and elegant in style without being high-flown. 
Bound in boards, cloth back, with illuminated sides 50 cti 

North's Book of Love Letters. With directions 

how to write and v;hen to use them, and 120 Specimen Letters, suit- 
able for Lovers of any age and condition, and under all circum* 
stances. Interspersed with the author's comments thereon. The 
whole forming a convenient Hand-book of valuable informatioQ 
and counsel for the use of those who need friendly advice in mat» 
ters of Love, Courtship and Marriage. Bound in boards. .... 50 cta^ 
Bound in cloth 75 cts;. 

How TO Shine in Society; or, The Science of Con- 
versation. Containing the principles, laws and general usages ot 
polite society, including easily applied hints and directions for com- 
mencing and sustaining an agreeable conversation, and for choosing 
topics appropriate to the time, place and company, thus affording 
immense assistance to the bashful and diffident. Paper covers. 25 cts. 

The Amateur Trapper and Trap-Maker's Guide. 

A complete and carefully prepared treatise on the art of Trapping, 
Snaring and Netting; containing plain directions for constructing the 
most approved Traps, Snares, Nets and Dead-Falls ; the best 
methods of applying them to their various purposes; and the most 
successful baits for attracting all kinds of Animals, Birds, etc., with 
their special uses in each case; introducing receipts for preparing 

Skins and Furs for Market. Large i6mo, paper covers 50 cts. 

B<?und m boards, cloth 'rack -. „ .75 cts. 



Books sent Free of Pjstage ai ihe Prices annexea. 
Barber's American Book of Ready-Made 

Speeches. Containing 159 original examples of humorous and 
serious Speeches, suitable for the following occasions: Presentation 
Speeches ; Convivial Speeches ; Festival ^peeclies ; Addresses of 
Welcome; Addresses of Congratulation and Complimeni ; Politica. 
Speeches; Dinner and Supper Gpeeches, for Clubs, Associations 
etc., Trade Baiiquets, etc. ; Off-hand Speeches on a variety ot 
subjects ; together with appropriate Replies to each. To which arf 
added. Resolutions of Compliment, Congratulation and Condolence, 
and a variety of Toasts and Sentiments lor Public and Private En- 
tertainments. Paper cover ..50 els. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 75 cts 

The Young Debater and Chairman's Assist- 
ant. Containing instructions how to form and conduct Societies^ 
Clubs, and other organized associations. Also, full Rules of Ordef 
for the govenmient of their Business and Debates ; together wilh 
complete directions how to compose Resolutions, Reports atjtf 
Petitions . and the best way to manage Public Meetings, Celebra- 
tions, Dinners and Pic-Nics. Also, instructions in Elocution, with 
hints on Debate. By a a ex-member of the Philadelphia bar. 15a 

pages, paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 cts. 

The Young Reporter ; or, How to Writ(< 

Short-hand. A complete Phonographic Teacher. By the aid of 
this work, any person of the most ordinary intelligence may learn to 
write Short-hand, and report speeches and sermons in a short 
time. Bound in boards, with cloth back 50 cts. 

Walker's Rhyming, Spelling, and Pronounc- 
ing Dictionary of the English Language. To which is add- 
ed, critical and practical Observations on Orthography, Syllabica* 
tion, Pronunciation, an Index of Allowable Rhymes, with Author!' 
ties for their Usage, etc., etc. 706 pages $3 oa 

Live and Learn. A Guide for all who wish 

to Speak and Write Correctly. Containing examples of one thou- 
sand mistakes ot daily occurrence in Speaking, Writing, and Pro-' 
nunciation. 216 pages, cloth 75 cts™ 

The Poet's Companion. A Dictionary of alll 

Allowable Rhymes in the English Language. Paper cover. 25 cts. 

The Chairman and Speaker's Guide. . . .10 cts 
How TO Talk and Debate lo cts. 



Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Prt'ce. 

Howard's Book of Conundrums and Rid- 
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Enigmas, Ingenious Catches, and Amusing Sells ever invented. 

Paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

How TO Amuse an Evening Party. A com- 
plete collection of Comic Diversions, Scientific Recreations, 
and Evening Amusements. Profusely Illustrated with nearly 

200 fine wood-cuts. Paper cover. 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

The Play-Ground ; or, Outdoor Games for 

Boys. A book of healthy recreations for youth. Containing 
over 100 Amusements. Illustrated with 124 fine wood-cuts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back. 50 cts. 

Bound in cloth, gilt side 75 c^s. 

The Parlor Magician ; or, One Hundred 

Tricks for the Drawing-Room. Illustrated and clearly ex- 
plained, with 121 engravings. Paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

The Book of 500 Curious Puzzles. Con- 
taining all kinds of entertaining Paradoxes. Illustrated with 

numerous engravings. Paper cover. 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back Sects. 

Book of Riddles and 500 Home Amuse- 
ments. Containing all kinds of Curious Riddles, Amusing 
Puzzles, Queer Sleights and Recreations in Science, for Social 
Pastime, Illustrated with 60 engravings. Paper cover. 30 cts. 
Bound in boards, cloth back... 50 cts. 

Parlor Tricks with Cards. Containing ex~ 

planations of all the Deceptions with Playing Cards ever in- 
vented. The whole made easy with 70 engravings. Paper 

cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

The Book of Fireside Games. Containing 

a description of the most Entertaining Games suited to the 

Family Circle as a Recreation. Paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

Frost's Humorous and Exhibition Dia- 
logues. This is a collection of sprightly original Dialogues, 
in prose and verse, intended to be spoken at School Exhibi- 
tions. 180 pages, paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards 50 cts- 



Stni Free of Postage on Receipt 0/ Price. 

^ ' . - . . ■ I ii^ ■■■■—, ■■ __ — ^ 

SuT LoviNGOOD. Yarns spun by ' 'A Nat'ral Born 

Diirn'd Fool." Warped and \Vove for Public Wear by George W. 
Harris. Illustrated with eight fine full-page engravings, from de- 
signs by Howard. It would be difa^Jt, vre think, to cram a larger 
amount of pungent humor into 300 pages t'.ian v.ill be found ia tLis 
really funny book. The Preface and Dedication are models cf sly 
simplicity, and the 24 Sketches which follow are among the best 
specimens of broad Ijurlcsque to which the genius of the ludicrous, 
for which the Southwest is so distinguished, has yet given birth. 
Cloth, gilt side gi 50 

The Art and Etiquette of I\Iakixg Love. A 

Manual of Love, Courtship and Matrimony. It tells 
How to cure bashfulness. How to accept or reject a proposal. 

Haw to continence a courtship. How to break off an engagement. 
How to please a sweetheart or How to id after an engagement, 

lover. How to act as bridesmaid or 

How to write a love-letter, groo7ns7nan. 

How to '■'pop the question, ' How the etiquette c/ a wedding a nd 

How to act be/ore and after a the after reception should be 00- 

proposal. served. 
And, in fact, how to fulfill every duty and meet every contingency 
connected with courtship and matrimony. 176 pages. Paper 
covers 30 cts. 

Burton's Amateur Actor. A Complete Guide to 

Private Theatricals; giving plain directions for arranging, decora- 
ting and lighting the Stage and its appurtenances, with rules and sug- 
gestions for mounting, rehearsing and performing all ki„ Js of Plays, 
Parlor Pantomimes and Shadow Pantomimes. Illustrated with 
numerous engravings, and including a selection of original Plays, 
with Prologues, Epilogues, etc. By C. E. Burton. i6mo, illumin- 
ated paper covers 30 cts. 

Bound in boards 50 cts. 

Kavanaugh's Juvenile Speaker. For Very Lit- 
tle Boys and Girls. Containing short and easily-learned 
Speeches and Dialogues, expressly adapted for School Celebra- 
*ions, May-Day Festivals and other Children's Entertainments. 
Embracing one hundred and twenty-three effective pieces. By Mrs. 

Russell Kavanaugh. Illuminated paper cover 30 cts. 

Bound in boards, clotlibad' - ••> 50 cts. 



Sent Free of Postage on Receipt of Price. 
Scattergood's Game of Draughts, or 

Checkers, Simplififd and Explained. With practical 
Diagrams and Illustrations, together with a Checker-Board, 
numbered and printed in red. Containing the Eighteen 
Standard Games, with over 200 of the best variatioBS, selected 
from various authors, with some never before published. By 
D, Scattergood. Bound in cloth, with flexible covers. ..50 cts. 

Proctor's Draw Poker Principles and 

Chance Laws. An interesting Treatise on the grame of Draw 
Poker ; with practical remarks upon the Chances and Proba- 
bilities of the game, apd a critical analysis of the Theories and 
Statistics advanced by Blackbridge and other writers on the 
subject. By Rich Ai-d A. Proctor. Small quarto 15 cts. 

How GAMBLETi'ti Win ; or, The Secrets of Ad- 
vantage Playing Exposed. Being a complete and scientific 
cxpos^ of the manner of playing all the various advantages in 

Cards. i6mo, paper covers 30 cts. 

Boards, cloth back 50 cts. 

Spayth's American Draught Player ; or. 

The Theory and Practice of the Scientific Game of Checkers. 
Simplified and Illustrated with Practical Diagrams. Contain- 
ing upwards of 1,700 Games and Positions. By Henry Spayth. 
Sixth edition, with over 200 Corrections and Improvements. 
i2mo, cloth 300 

Spayth's Draughts or Checkers for Be- 
ginners. Being a comprehensive Guide for those who desire to 
learn the Game. This treatise was written by Henrj' Spayth, 
the celebrated player, and is by far the most complete element- 
ary work on Draughts ever published. Cloth 75 cts. 

Marache's Manual of Chess. Containing 

Preliminary Games for Beginners, fifty Openings of Games, 
giving all the latest discoveries of modern masters, with best 
Games and Copious Notes, Endings of Games, numerous 
Problems, Diagrams, etc. By N. Marache. Cloth ... .50 cts. 

McLaren's Training in Theory and Prac- 
tice. Giving the best modern methods of Training for Ath- 
letic Sports and Exercises. Paper covers. 50 cts. 



GOOD BOOKS. 

Seixt Postage-Pfciid at th.e Prices Marked. 



' < «■ 



Dick's Encyclopedia of Receipts and Processes $5.00 

Dick's Art of Gymnastics 1.00 

The Secret Out ; or, 1000 Tricks with Cards 1.5 

The American Hoyle, the Standard Book of Games 1.50 

Dick's Games of Patience; or, Solitaire with Cards 1.00 

Spayth's American Draught Player 3.00 

Spayth's Game of Draughts ... 1.50 

Spayth's Draughts ; or, Checkers for Beginners 76 

Scattergood's Checkers Simplified 50 

Harache's Manual of Chess 50 

Dick's Hand-Book of Cribbage 50 

Dick's Hand-Book of Whist 25 

Hoyle's Games, by "Trumps" • 50 

Modern Whist, by "Trumps" 25 

The American Card Player 50 

Blackbridge' s Complete Poker Player • • • ■ 50 

How Gamblers Win 50 

Dick's Original Album Verses and Acrostics ^ 50 

Dick's Book of Toasts, Speeches and Ilesponses 50 

Barber's American Book of Beady-Made Speeches 50 

How to Conduct a Debate 50 

The Debater, Chairman's Assistant, and Rules of Order 50 

North's Book of Love-Letters .50 

Dick's Commercial Letter-Writer 50 

Martine's Sensible Letter-Writer 50 

Frost' s^ American Etiquette 50 

Dick's Recitations and Readings— Series— each Vol .30 

Brudder Bones' Stump-Speeches and Burlesque Orations 30 

Dick's Mysteries of the Hand; or, Palmistry Made Easy 50 

Day's American Ready-Reckoner .50 

The Amateur Trapper and Trap-Maker's Guide 50 

Dick's Quadrille Call-Book and Bail-Room Prompter 50 

Converse's Banjo and How to Play It 50 

The Art and Etiquette of Making Love .30 

The Young Reporter; or. How to Write Short-Hand 50 

COMPLETE DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE MAILED PREE. 



DICK & FITZG-ERALD, Publishers, 

p. O. Box 2975. NEW YORK. 



\p^^ 



